An odd question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I have a somewhat unusual question. I am embarking on a project that may be
a bit much for this novice, but I want to give it a try nevertheless. I’m decorating a
child’s room and I’m trying to create a series of lighted spinning balerinas
(to be hung from the ceiling) with a light shining down on each respective
balerina. My obstacles are three fold in that:

A) I need to find a miniature low revolution motor (preferably inexpensive) that would rotate eachhanging balerina (between 30-60 rpm) - so there would be one motor per balerina. The plastic balerinas are light (ie no heavier than an old starwars figurine)I’d like to hang a series of 12 balerinas about 12" apart.

B) I need to find a similarly small light(something bright such as those
miniature keychain LED lights-

http://www.pocketlights.com/keychainlights.asp

C) I need to figure out how to power both the respective motors and lights
on one continuous electric line.

Both the motors and lights would be powered by an electrical supply from a
plug in the wall. If you can see my vision, picture something like a string
of xmas lights you’d hang on a tree or the eve of your house-just a basic
series of lights that you’d plug in to a basic electrical outlet. The only
difference would be instead of a xmas light, there would be a miniature
motor and light. Is this possible?

Any insight would be much appreciated.

2

For the motors, check All Electronics at http://www.allelectronics.com

They have geared motors of various speeds and voltages, and they may even have lights that are suitable for what you want to do.

3

I have several electric motors that are designed to plug into a Christmas tree light socket which then revolve to spin an ornament. These are relatively inexpensive ($5 or less at after Christmas sales).

4

I suggest All Electronics also.
I think the 120 volt, 3 watt geared motor would be a good choice. The DC motors they have are too large, expensive and draw a lot of power. A stepper motor may be too jurky. As long as you wire the motors properly, that is soldered connections protected with heat shrink tubing, connected in parallel, it can be done with the 120 volt motors.
You would have to use a separate circuit can be used for the Ultra Bright White LEDs
The motors are $3.50 each, LEDs $2.00 each, a 3 volt 400ma power supply $2.00. All totaled comes to $78 plus all the other stuff to put it together.
Hope this helps. Good luck.

5

Forget what I said earlier. Mecovey has a better idea. That might be the ticket!
I found them on-line at Bronners

NOTE: Click on underlined, highlited words for link.